From the Archives

In setting the standards and creating the structure for Marlboro, Rudolf Serkin opened new worlds for generations of exceptional young musicians. Throughout his life, he demonstrated that music is not merely a profession but a moral act that finds its highest expression in the service of others.

Violinist, composer, and Marlboro co-founder Adolf Busch’s uncompromising humanity, devotion, and commitment to what he believed in—his example as a moral beacon in uniquely tumultuous times—has guided Marlboro from its earliest days.

As composer, pianist, and conductor, Leon Kirchner opened up new worlds for Marlboro’s exceptional young musicians, making new music and living composers an integral part of the Marlboro experience.

For nearly 20 years, cellist Madeline Foley was a major presence at Marlboro. A protegée of Pablo Casals, she became an inspiration and important influence, through the mid-1970s, on generations of young artists at Marlboro, helping them learn what it takes to become “a real musician.”

A child prodigy who lived for over a century and became one of the longest-performing artists in the world, Mieczysław Horszowski was a musical giant for generations of admiring musicians and audiences at Marlboro.

A unique and beloved figure in Brattleboro’s cultural life, Marlboro co-founder Blanche Moyse gave us new perspectives on some of the most moving music ever written. The inspiring experience of exploring Bach’s music with her has had a lifelong impact on decades of Marlboro musicians.

As humble as he was learned, Luis Batlle contributed immensely to the Marlboro community, first as a young musician himself, and then as an established participant and professor at Marlboro College.

Italian violinist Pina Carmirelli brought a singular voice to the Marlboro Music community with her dynamic musical presence and served as an important role model for young artists.

Pablo Casals left a remarkable legacy at Marlboro in rehearsals, concerts, and recordings of orchestral works. He came to Marlboro in 1960 for two weeks and returned almost every summer until the end of his life.

One of Marlboro’s most important influences was the revered violinist Felix Galimir who shared a deep musicality and infectious personality with generations of eager young participants.

In terms of sound, color, and phrasing, Moyse exceeded what we were accustomed to hearing from wind instruments. He seemed to have magical powers.

Alexander “Sasha” Schneider was a force of nature, a larger than life figure who had a passion for music and life matched only by his love of food and members of the opposite sex.